GW DPT: Founding Pro Bono Clinics, Building Access to Care

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When reflecting on his path to becoming a physical therapist, Dominic DiPrinzio (DPT ’23)  describes a journey defined by change, growth, and service. Originally a business major, he  realized through summer internships during his undergraduate studies at James Madison  University, that something was missing.  

“I wasn’t helping people in a way that was meaningful to me,” DiPrinzio explains. His decision  to shift his major from business to kinesiology opened new doors. After shadowing physical  therapists, he was inspired by the profession’s impact and decided to pursue Physical Therapy as  a career.  

Once enrolled in The George Washington University (GW) Doctorate of Physical Therapy  (DPT) program, further experiences molded the trajectory of his career.  

“I had never heard of ‘pro bono Physical Therapy’ before,” he recalls. Pro bono physical therapy  services are provided free of charge to patients who may not have access to care due to  financial, insurance, or other barriers. “Getting to work with patients so early in my education,  hearing their stories and understanding them as people, was an unforgettable experience that  sparked an interest in me to pursue more pro bono work.”  

That inspiration became action during his final clinical rotation in Syracuse, NY. His fiancée,  then volunteering at a local medical clinic, had noticed that many patients with musculoskeletal  pain were offered only passive or pharmacological treatments. “I realized this was a gap I could  help fill,” DiPrinzio says. With the experience at the GW pro bono clinic, DiPrinzio understood  the impact and importance of the clinic running on a pro bono basis, making care accessible to  patients who might otherwise go without treatment due to financial barriers. For DiPrinzio,  ensuring that access to physical therapy extended beyond those who could afford it was at the  heart of his mission.  

He reached out to the clinic, proposed the idea, and worked with the nurse manager to make pro  bono physical therapy services a reality to the Syracuse community. However, the process was  not without challenges.  

“It was intimidating at first to explain to physicians how physical therapy could help their  patients,” he admits. But the experience built his confidence, honed his ability to advocate for  the profession, and fostered a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary care. “That experience  taught me the power of listening to the whole person, not just the diagnosis” states DiPrinzio. 

Now at Boston Medical Center, DiPrinzio continues to serve diverse populations with complex  needs—patients often from low socioeconomic backgrounds and with limited health literacy.  “It’s rewarding to bring what I learned at GW and at the pro bono clinic into my work today. I  get to combine my passion for serving this population with being in an environment that  fosters growth and development as a clinician,” DiPrinzio shares.  

His advice for current and future GW DPT students is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to  jump in. The best way to learn is to make mistakes. Be open to feeling uncomfortable, because  that’s ultimately how you grow—whether it’s in lab, on clinical rotations, or with patients. That  willingness to try was a huge part of my success.”  

From reimagining his career path to founding a pro bono clinic, DiPrinzio’s story embodies the  GW DPT spirit of compassion, courage, and commitment to service. His journey reminds us  that what begins in the classroom can ripple outward, shaping not only careers, but also entire  communities.